Renowned Qingdao Symphony Orchestra to Join the New York Choral Society for Chinese New Year Concert -- Single Performance at Carnegie Hall January 26

January 14, 2009

The New York Choral Society and China's renowned Qingdao Symphony Orchestra perform together at Carnegie Hall on January 26 in celebration of the Chinese New Year

NEW YORK, NY, January 14, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- To celebrate the spirit of international fellowship and cooperation during the Chinese New Year, the New York Choral Society is proud to join forces with China's critically acclaimed Qingdao Symphony Orchestra to present "Image China: Chinese New Year Concert 2009." The performance - a fun, festive, and invigorating mix of Chinese and American orchestral compositions - will take place Monday, January 26, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium.

The concert will feature Liang Wang, brilliant 25-year-old Principal Oboe of the New York Philharmonic, performing the New York premiere of the oboe concerto Extase by Chinese composer Chen Qigang. Other Chinese selections include a piano concerto by Chen Yi and a Ye Xiaogang concerto for "pipa," a four-stringed instrument of ancient Chinese origin. The program's American works include Leonard Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and a concert version of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.

The Qingdao Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Yongyan Hu, is making its inaugural American tour. Since its inception in 2005, the QSO has become internationally recognized for combining world-class musical excellence with a progressive spirit. "We have graciously been given the rare opportunity to present this esteemed and brilliant orchestra to America during one of China's most cherished holidays," said the Choral Society's Music Director John Daly Goodwin. "The Choral Society is delighted to join the QSO in delivering a celebration that can exhibit our unity in music and shared commitment to cooperation and hope."

Other featured performers include: Hongyan Zhang, pipa; Sa Chen, piano; Janice Chandler Eteme, soprano; Alvy Powell, baritone; and The New York Choral Society.

Founded in 1958, the New York Choral Society (NYCS) has become known by audiences and critics for the quality of its performances and the diversity of its repertoire, which encompasses well-known choral masterworks as well as many compositions rarely heard in concert halls. The NYCS, a 180-voice chorus of professional-caliber volunteer singers whose mission is to enrich the cultural life of the New York community, has presented ten world premieres and has commissioned works by Paul Alan Levi, Morton Gould, and Robert DeCormier.

Ticket prices for "Image China: Chinese New Year Concert 2009" range from $15 (for students/seniors) to $100 and are on sale now at http://www.carnegiehall.org, through Carnegie Charge at 212.247.7800, or through the Carnegie Hall Box Office at 57th Street and 7th Avenue, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday and noon to 6:00 p.m. Sunday.
http://www.imagechina2009.com

For more information, please contact Karen Bender at kbender@williamswhittle.com or 703-220-0080.